With more than three million downloads and a 4.5-star rating, EpocCam Wireless Virtual Computer Webcam is the most popular and most frequently downloaded webcam app in the App Store.

It works with all webcam-enabled apps (such as Skype and Google Hangouts), supports your iPhone’s rear- and front-facing cameras, and encrypts all the video it records. It has a wireless range of 20 feet.

In addition to the app, you’ll also need to download the drivers directly from the developer’s website. Setting up the connection is fully automated; you don’t need to do anything. You can upgrade to EpocCam HD for $6. It introduces autofocus and an on/off toggle for the flashlight.

Unfortunately EpocCam has a few negative reviews of late, and hasn’t received an update for a while. Fortunately it’s free to try, so you can make sure it works before deciding if it’s worth upgrading or not.

PocketCam Lite lets you use your iPhone’s camera as the main webcam for your Windows or Mac computer. It’s compatible with FaceTime, iChat, Skype, MSN Live Messenger, and AIM, among others.

It’s great if you need to walk around your house or office while you’re on a video call – you won’t need to worry about lugging your laptop around with you or tripping over cables. Because of how it works, you can also record the app’s output on your machine using webcam recording software such as QuickTime.

The Lite version only sends black and white video and will not transmit audio. For a color feed and audio playback, you’ll need to buy the pro version for $5. Again, the free-to-try model is handy for testing whether or not the app works for you before you hand over any money.

AtHome Camera is unique; a computer can remotely view your iPhone’s camera feed, but the iPhone app can also remotely view your computer’s webcam feed. There are two parts to the app – a streamer and a viewer. Both can run on computers (Mac and Windows), smartphones, and tablets.

It doesn’t sound like much, but it’ll let you record and save a few minutes of footage if you see an intruder in your home or see your dog doing something hilarious while you’re not there. If you upgrade to the pro version (via in-app purchase), you’ll be able to save up to 5 GB of content in the cloud.

Presence also has an accompanying web app, meaning you can log in and see your feeds from any computer in the world.

5. FaceTime

If you don’t want to use third-party apps, you could try using FaceTime. It’s not designed to be a webcam app, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it.

FaceTime has one significant advantage over the third-party options: reliability. It’s made by Apple, supported by Apple, and running on an Apple operating system. If something goes wrong with a third-party option when you’re away from home, you could be left in an awkward position; with FaceTime, it should be easier to recreate a connection.

All you need is a copy of the app on your iPhone and your Mac. Importantly, you need to make sure the two apps have different contact details under the setting for You can be reached for FaceTime at. (iPhone:Settings > FaceTime / OS X:FaceTime > Preferences). If you have the same details listed for each, you’ll get a busy tone when you try and connect.

Finally, put your phone in the area you want to monitor and call it from your Mac. You’ll need to manually answer it, but the connection should be fairly reliable once you’ve done so.

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Well I have the new ipod touch, which has facecam, but unfortunately cannot facecam to an email address in contacts. There is no facecam button there. Okay, next one the Mobiola, I'd like to see a free version to see if it works for me. (I have a pc, not mac) Next one, the pocketcam failed for me. Everything installed fine, but the app never refreshed the picture..
I have tried "Mini webcam" and so far it is the only one I have found that works,( and works pretty well), letting my ipod be the cam instead of needing one hooked up to my pc, which is what I am looking for here. It's FREE too, or at least was when I downloaded it.
Okay just found another which I am going to say is even better! Check out an app called "Third Eye". The Lite version impressed me enough that I paid for the full version ($1.99, not bad at all on the price!) and it has color video capture with sound! All you do is copy the url link into a web browser, and the images are sharp, close up, and I can also HEAR what is going on. I like it! =)

Dan is a British expat living in Mexico. He is currently a Senior Writer for MakeUseOf. At various times, he has been the Social Editor, Creative Editor, and Finance Editor. He also writes for MUO's sister site, BlocksDecoded. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant.